Effects of Different Whitening agents on the Mechanical Properties of Restorative Materials

Abstract

Dental bleaching procedures are commonly performed to improve esthetics. It can be either in-office professional bleaching techniques or self-administered home-based bleaching agents. These bleaching agents contain variable concentrations of hydrogen or carbamide peroxide that initiates oxidation process mechanism which reduces the extrinsic tooth discoloration. The objective of this review was to discuss the influence of different whitening agents on the mechanical properties of restorative materials. Dentists should be aware of the mechanical properties of restorative materials and ideally prepare the patients free of carious lesions before performing the bleaching procedures. However, bleaching agents with new formulations are introduced that doesn't impact the surface integrity of existing restorations. Moreover, composite restorations on bleached enamel surfaces should be placed after at least 2 weeks. For those patients that require restorative treatment immediately, use of antioxidant agents before bonding procedures on bleached enamel neutralizes completely the deleterious effects of bleaching and increases the bond strength.